This weekend, Alex Albon alone will get to test the new upgrades, with Logan Sargeant having to delay until the subsequent race in Austria to try them out.
The revamped elements include the floor body, sidepod, and engine cover bodywork. Alongside these changes, there’s a refreshed mirror layout, a novel halo fairing, an updated external suspension fairing design, rear brake ducts, and rear wing endplates.
These elements have been fine-tuned collectively, ensuring that the flow structures generated by each surface can cooperate more efficiently.
Given the magnitude of these modifications, the process has been far from instant, according to Dave Robson, the head of vehicle performance:
“The entire process, from wind tunnel testing, aero development, design to manufacturing, has taken a few months,” he explained, responding to F1 Flow.com’s inquiry about the timeframe for these revisions.
“Indeed, maneuvering through manufacturing has been somewhat challenging, especially considering the numerous repairs we’ve had to conduct since probably Melbourne”.
Williams FW45 updated sidepods, engine cover and floor
Photo by: Uncredited
Despite production challenges, the noticeable elements from this list are the sidepods and engine cover.
Williams has adopted a more profound water slide-style upper surface geometry than the earlier bodywork, while the previously hunched shoulder on the ramp section has been leveled out.
Simultaneously, the shape and location of the upper cooling cannon outlet have been redesigned to enhance both aerodynamics and cooling.
As for the floor, the intricate details are hidden underneath, confirming the team’s addition of complexity in this area.
However, given the timeframe between the recent reveals of Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari in Monaco, Williams has not had sufficient time to analyze any of those images and replicate their designs.
“There’s nothing on there that’s based on the other cars we’ve seen on cranes over the last couple of weeks,” Robson assured. “It’s different. But I can assure you it’s not a Red Bull replica.”
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To benefit from the bodywork adjustments and minor tweaks to the mirrors and halo, which also streamline the airflow, several changes have been made downstream as well.
Robson added: “All of the rear suspension legs are re-oriented again to align with the updated flow structure.
“And the brake duct winglets are updated again for the same reason. But their main role is to direct that flow into the rear corner and then the diffuser”.
Williams FW45 rear
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
The lower part of the rear wing endplate has also been adapted so that it, and the swage added a few races ago, perform as expected, in harmony with the suspension fairings and brake duct winglets next to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Williams FW45 F1 Car Overhaul
Who has received the upgrades to the Williams FW45 F1 car?
For now, only Alex Albon has received the upgrades. Logan Sargeant is expected to receive them in the upcoming race in Austria.
What are the major parts that have been changed in the Williams FW45 F1 car?
Major parts that have been changed include the floor body, sidepod, and engine cover bodywork. Additionally, there is a revised mirror layout, a new halo fairing, new external geometry for the suspension fairings, rear brake ducts, and rear wing endplates.
How long did it take to implement these changes?
According to Dave Robson, head of vehicle performance, the entire process of wind tunnel testing, aero development, design, and manufacturing took a few months.
Did the changes to the Williams FW45 F1 car include any design features from other teams?
No, according to Dave Robson, none of the upgrades were based on other cars that have been seen in the past few weeks. The car is unique and is not a replica of any other, including the Red Bull.
How does the revamped design impact the car’s performance?
The redesign allows for the various flow structures created by each surface to interact more effectively. Changes have been made to both the bodywork and minor parts to correct the airflow’s passage and improve performance.
More about Williams FW45 F1 Car Overhaul
- F1 Official Website
- Williams FW45 F1 Car Specifications
- Understanding Aerodynamics in F1
- Alex Albon’s Career Statistics
- Logan Sargeant’s Career Statistics
7 comments
If these updates do the trick, Sargeant’s gonna be itching to get his hands on them in Austria.
robson’s got his work cut out for him, hope all this pays off on the race track!
So cool to see how the cars evolve over time. aerodynamics is a serious business in f1.
Its all bout the details, aint it? the stuff we cant see making the biggest difference… wild.
Can’t wait to see the new Williams car in action!! Albon’s got a treat for this weekend.
Do these upgrades really make that much of a difference? Seems like a lot of work for nothing, if you ask me.
Williams ain’t copying nobody, they’re doing their own thing! Love to see it.